SPRINT

Abstract

Stem cells hold great promise in the evolving field of regenerative medicine, and there are many sources from which they can be obtained. Over the past decade different perinatal (Pn) tissues have been shown to harbor a vast array of stem cells with therapeutic potential. This relatively new field of research is rapidly expanding, and its relevance is supported by the recent emergence of clinical trials in Europe and worldwide.

There are, however, many issues that need to be addressed to ensure optimal research outcome and clinical experimentation data interpretation. These issues range from the need to arrive to a consensus on nomenclature and optimal techniques for isolation, characterization, and cryopreservation, to more advanced issues such as collating data and expertise towards an understanding and exploitation of the mechanisms and therapeutic actions of perinatal derivatives. There is also the necessity to identify gaps in knowledge and how collaborative research can address them.

The International Network for Translating Research on Perinatal Derivatives into Therapeutic Approaches (SPRINT), included participants with extensive know-how in basic research, clinical trials, regulatory affairs, and the biomedical industry. SPRINT joined forces to strengthen the knowledge in the field, and overcome the bottlenecks of translation to provide innovative therapeutic applications of Perinatal-derived tissues, cells, and factors.